The art of the shoe

This morning my mother in law treated the kids to a trip to the shoe store, and for the girls this was delight….for Nathaniel, it was a horror that could only be matched by a trip through the Victoria’s Secret.

Peyton tried on at least 7 pairs of shoes, pranced and sauntered around in each one testing for adorability. It is an inate gift you’re either born with or you’re not. She told the saleslady “I looove shoes!” Don’t we all?

Rachael started trying on shoes the minute we walked in the door and didn’t quit until we finally left. She had her heart set on shoes that would only be appropriate for the high school prom, but we were able to convince her to choose some more sensible shoes….never using the word “sensible” mind you…but she did finally remember that she’s too young to suffer for beauty just yet, to enjoy her years of comfortable shoes.

Nathaniel walked in and got his feet measured. He disappeared around a corner and came back in under two minutes with the pair of shoes that he wanted, they fit, done deal. Boys really do suck all the fun out of shopping. He was thoroughly disgusted with how long it took the girls to make their choices. Once he even nudged me and whispered “Can I just pick some for them?”

Peter and I spent the rest of the day horsewhipping the kids, after which we stapled their earlobes to the floor and made them lick the belly of cockroach! Actually, all we did was make them do housework and lawn work, but it might as well have been. But Nathaniel did make a huge step into manhood. He mowed part of the backyard all by himself. I’m sure Peter’s having fantasies of lounging in a hammock with a beer in hand, pointing out that “Son, you missed a spot over there!”

Breaking news….Peyton was hollering from the bedroom “Help me!! Heeeelp me!! I need you to help me! I’m stuck and it’s freaking me out!” Well, I had to go see what this was all about. Promising myself I wouldn’t rush and nearly kill myself the way I did when she proclaimed herself legally blind. At least if she’s yelling, she’s still breathing, right?

I get to the bedroom and there’s Peyton…let me see if I can actually explain what she’d done…she was trying to climb up her dresser by opening the drawers and using them as steps. She had her left foot in the bottom one, her right foot in the next one….the top drawer had slid open enough to wedge against the foot in the bottom drawer, her pocket was stuck on a handle and she had lost her balance so she couldn’t get enough leverage to move any of the drawers. I just stared at her for a second, trying to figure out how she gets herself into these situations and she says to me “Are you just going to stand there?” Ok….she’s 3!! Seriously! She says that to me like she’s the boss of me! She is definitely spending too much time with adults.

Anyways, all is fixed, the rest of the crew is out washing the car and enjoying a nice water fight. Frankly, if I wanted to go totally white trash I would just hand them all a bar of soap and tell them all to wash themselves up while they’re at it, but I don’t want the neighbors to call DCF on us for making our kids bathe in the front yard.

Tomorrow we’re heading to church and then off to a Tampa Bay Storm game in the afternoon. We’re looking forward to a fun time with Adelaine’s family and some of our other great friends.

Our only scheduled visit to the clinic is for a finger poke on Wednesday, followed by a photo shoot that’s being provided by a photography studio that’s setting up shop at the clinic to do pictures of our special kids. They actually told the child life specialist that they would make sure to have HAIR and makeup people there to help out….I guess someone has to fluff Peyton’s fuzz, I’m not sure what else they could do with it!! Peyton’s counts were fabulous at the end of last week, so I’ve got my fingers crossed for a repeat performance.

I hope you’re all having a wonderful weekend, full of family and good times!

f.r.o.G…fully relying on God
—Anissa

Peyton and her friend [url=www.caringbridge.org/visit/carleevessel]Carlee Vessel[/url] from the Tampa Bay Yankees game

3 Comments on “The art of the shoe”

I don't often add a comment but Cassidy and I visit your site every day. You make us laugh and cry and miss you all like crazy! The shoe story cracked me up. Dan doesn't understand how 3 daughters and a wife can possibly NEED so many shoes. Love Rachael's teddy bear wagon. It's beautiful…and made with love. Your stories make us laugh. You ahve such a wonderful way with words. Thank you for keeping us informed about Peyton's progress. She is a trooper, and she is very lucky to be a part of such a wonderful family!

Hi Anissa,
I have had a good laugh this morning!! God knows I need it. God has really given you a gift of making others laugh, thanks for sharing it despite all your struggles. I read what you wrote about statistics, yeah, they're sucky. One thing I've learned is that there is no comparing cancers, they are all life-altering experiences for the child and their family. I remember one doctor telling us that Kate's tumor is the best type to get if you had to choose, but it's in the worst location. I thought, is that supposed to help me feel better?

I have to quit reading these at work. I am either trying to supress laughter or tears. Thanks sis for keeping all of us up to date. It would be great to actually talk to you every day, but with 7 kids between us, when would be have the time? I love seeing the pictures.
Love,
Ang